When Jaipur felt like a hill station!

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and often referred to as the Pink city. It is a part of the Golden Triangle tour (for those who were not aware, you must plan a trip to India ASAP) that travelers traveling to India often undertake. My gang planned an impromptu one-day road trip to Jaipur and came across some amazing sights that I can’t wait to share with all of you.

History of Jaipur

Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is touted as the first planned city of India. (Sawai means a quarter more than the contemporaries) Various elements of Vastu Shastra have also been incorporated in the design of the city to make it comfortable for its citizens. The amount of effort put in is visible through the stunning architecture, temples as well as awe-inspiring astronomical observatories.

Why is Jaipur called the Pink city

In 1876, the Prince of Wales Albert Edward, visited the city. To welcome the Prince in all grandeur, the city of Jaipur was painted with Terracotta pink. Later on, this color gave Jaipur its unique identity.

What we saw:

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh is a majestic fort in Jaipur. It is located 15 km from the city centre amidst the arid, rocky and thorn-scrub covered hills. Sawai Jai Singh II built it in the early 18th century. It also houses the world famous cannon, Jaivana. Sawai Jai Singh II built Jaivana in 1720. Jaivana has a range of 22 miles and uses 100 kilograms for one fire!

Jaivana-the world famous cannon in Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort is also called the Victory Fort of Rajasthan. Its walls extend 3 km in length. In the past, Jaigarh Fort served as the hub of weaponry manufacture for the Rajputs. In the Lakshmivilas Palace, there are remnants of the ancient Mughal garden. It also houses a small theatre where Kings would be entertained. The Fort has 3 massive underground tanks which could hold more than 60 lakh gallons of water for the citizens in the citadel. These underground tanks were well-organized systems of Rainwater harvesting.

Albert Hall

The foundation stone of Albert Hall was laid when the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward visited Jaipur in 1876 (the same time when the city was painted terracotta pink). The Albert Hall, replete with Indo Saracenic architecture, was completed in 1887. In 1880, Albert Hall became a museum of Industrial arts to display products made by local craftsmen. Gradually, it has become a center of knowledge of the history of civilizations, traditional Indian handicrafts.

View of the Albert Hall in Jaipur; Credits: Wikimedia

“It is now a rebuke to all other museums in India from Calcutta downwards”
– Rudyard Kipling exclaimed on seeing the Albert Hall

Amer Fort

Situated 11 km from Jaipur, Amber (pronounced as Amer) fort was a small structure that the Rajputs won from the Meena tribes. Later, Kachawaha kings transformed it into a safe bastion from attacking enemies. Seven centuries old and backed by a legendary past, its construction began in 1592 (Akbar was the Mughal ruler at that time). Entirely made of red sandstone and white marble, Amer Fort is a beautiful combination of Hindu and Mughal style of architecture. The Amer Fort is visible from the Jaigarh fort. The sound and light show at Amer Fort is spell binding! Don’t miss it!

Amer Fort in Jaipur; Credits: Wikimedia.

Where we stayed:

There is a distinct excitement that I felt when I stayed in the lap of India’s glorious city of Jaipur (albeit a few hours). The BnB was just apt for recalling the exciting moments of the last 24 hours.

Cosy BnB in Jaipur- perfect place to introspect and absorb the rich culture of Jaipur

We started for Delhi at night. Night driving was no less adventure and we reached home early morning next day.

SBBT

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